I saw this made-for-television movie when it first came out in 2001, but now own it, so I will sometimes watch it again whenever I’m in the mood for a Judy Garland fix.

The film is based on the memoirs of Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, so I think it’s as close to the truth as we’ll ever get, to know about the life of Judy Garland.

And what I love and admire about this film is that it exposes not only the tragic part of Judy Garland, with her addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol, and the extreme highs and lows of her career, but it also shows what a down-to-earth and sensitive human being she was, and what a dedicated and loving mother she was to her children.

But what totally blows me away about this film is how both actresses so accurately captured all the physical and emotional characteristics of Garland, as if they somehow channeled her spirit. In fact, there are some scenes that give me chills because I actually believe that I’m LOOKING at and LISTENING to Judy Garland.

All the singing was dubbed with Judy Garland’s voice, but even still, both actresses did a flawless job in ACTING as if they were really singing. It’s some of the best lip-syncing I’ve ever seen on film because you can't tell.

Tammy Blanchard portrays young Judy, and Judy Davis portrays Garland through her final 25 years.

Here are some photographs I put together from the film to show you just how much they resemble Judy Garland...

Tammy Blanchard as young Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz

Judy Davis as Judy Garland singing at the Palace Theater in New York City

I leave you with a comparison video of Judy Garland vs. Judy Davis singing "The Man That Got Away" from the film, "A Star Is Born." And please watch it very closely (in full screen) because you'll be amazed by how much the side-by-side clips resemble each other.

44 comments

The likeness of the other actresses to Judy is amazing. I always thought Judy had a sad life especially after starting on the drug trail, but I admit I didn't follow her life story.

I watched the clip and enjoyed listening to The Man That Got Away. I thought Judy Davis was a little more stilted in movement than Judy Garland but I wouldn't have noticed that if I'd watched each one separately. Astonishing similarity.

Wow on the Tammy Blanchard as Dorothy! I would not know it isn't Judy Garland.

My inlaws love the Wizard of Oz. They have Xmas ornaments from the film, etc. I found it so bizarre when I saw all of that stuff, because I've always disliked the movie...LOL! It creeped me out as a kid snd now I think it's just long and boring.

Ron, I've not seen this film but did see a Star Is Born years ago, so watching the comparison clip makes me want to rent the film just to see Judy Davis in the role. It's uncanny how much she looks and acts like Judy Garland! I'm became a fan of Judy Davis ever since I saw her in the movie, The Break-up. Did you see it? She's hilarious!

The photographs of Tammy Blanchard as young Judy are spooky because she looks so much like her!

I'll put this film on my list of must-watch. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful week, Ron x

Every year we watched "The Wizard of Oz" and even though i hated singing back then--I was a kid, what did I know?--I did enjoy the story. It wasn't until years later that I finally appreciated her incredible talent.

I usually don't go for biopics, but I trust you implicitly, so I'll make sure to give this one a look. And while I'm at it, here's a video with Judy and another one of my favorites, Bobby Darin. Enjoy!

"I always thought Judy had a sad life especially after starting on the drug trail, but I admit I didn't follow her life story."

Yes, her life seemed so bittersweet because she had such an incredible talent that brought her (and her fans) so much joy and success, yet (because of the Hollywood studios who initially got her hooked on drugs), her addictions caused so many problems. I remember watching her in an interview in which she said that even though people saw her life as tragic, she never thought of herself that way because she always found the "good" in her life.

"I thought Judy Davis was a little more stilted in movement than Judy Garland but I wouldn't have noticed that if I'd watched each one separately. Astonishing similarity."

Yes, it's not perfect, but oh....it is so close to being similar. And I've often wondered how many "takes" they did to get that!?!

Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a lovely week!X to you and Joe

"Wow on the Tammy Blanchard as Dorothy! I would not know it isn't Judy Garland."

Isn't that feaking AMAZING!?! I watched a documentary on the making of the film and the director said that the second Tammy Blanchard walked into the room to audition for the part, they KNEW they had found the young Judy. Because even without any movie makeup, she looked so much like Garland!

"I know......I'm alone and weird!"

HA! No, I don't think you're alone and weird because I've heard several people say the same thing about The Wizard of Oz!

"Every year we watched "The Wizard of Oz" and even though i hated singing back then--I was a kid, what did I know?--I did enjoy the story. It wasn't until years later that I finally appreciated her incredible talent."

You and I are around the same age, so I know what you mean. It wasn't until I years later that I finally appreciated her incredible talent. She was one of those talents that was a total natural, both in her singing and in her acting.

"And while I'm at it, here's a video with Judy and another one of my favorites, Bobby Darin. Enjoy!"

OMG...I can't thank you enough for sharing that video. It's faaaaabulous! How wonderful to see Bobby Darin and Judy Garland together! Bobby Darin was one of my father's favorites and then became one of my favorites!

"I saw this film when it aired on TV and was in awe of Judy Davis's portrayal, especially when she performed the songs. And I feel the same about Tammy Blanchard. They both captured the essence of Judy Garland, even in the way she spoke."

Yes, I agree! Even talking, Judy Davis and Tammy Blanchard nailed the way Garland spoke - the vocal tone, rhythm, and inflections were spot on!

"I've never seen the video clip you shared. Astonishing!"

Isn't the clip astonishing? And I can only imagine how much research and rehearsal Judy Davis did to get that shot.

Yes, Liza Minnelli was from her marriage to Vincent Minnelli. Lora Luft (and Joey Luft) were from her marriage to Sid Luft. Lorna looks nothing like Judy (as Liza does) but her singing voice is a lot like Judy's. She has a great voice!

Ron, I hardly know anything about the personal or professional life of Judy Garland other than seeing her in The Wizard of Oz, but I think this is a movie I want to watch because the likeness of both actresses to Judy is startling! And that video clip is amazing!

I think about actors who take on roles of real life characters and wonder what process they go through in trying to duplicate them. It must be much harder than playing a fictional character because they have to live up to someone who was well-known. Acting has always fascinated me.

Ron, this film was/is FABULOSO! I've seen it a few times and like you, am blown away by the performances of Judy Davis and Tammy Blanchard. Only a few minutes into the movie I forget that they are actresses portraying Judy Garland and believe that I'm watching Judy Garland for REAL. It's chilling in a way because as you said, it's almost as if they're "channeling" her spirit. Every little nuance of Garland is there, like the way she moved her hands and mouth when she sang. Judy Davis and Tammy Blanchard won Emmy's for their performances and they deserved them!

Thank you for sharing the video because I've never seen it. How cool to view the two scenes side-by-side. Amazing!

"but I think this is a movie I want to watch because the likeness of both actresses to Judy is startling! And that video clip is amazing!"

If you ever have the chance to watch the movie please do, because I think you will REALLY enjoy it. I love films about real people and this one was exceptional!

"I think about actors who take on roles of real life characters and wonder what process they go through in trying to duplicate them. It must be much harder than playing a fictional character because they have to live up to someone who was well-known."

Yes, I think it is much harder than playing a fictional character because of what you said. Also, it's impossible to get everything exactly right, so I think what many actors do is pick out the most notable characteristics of the real-life person they're portraying through doing research. And it's quite obvious that both Judy and Tammy did a lot of research for their roles!

"Only a few minutes into the movie I forget that they are actresses portraying Judy Garland and believe that I'm watching Judy Garland for REAL. Every little nuance of Garland is there, like the way she moved her hands and mouth when she sang."

Yes! Yes! Yes! And you can really see that in the video too. All the little nuances of Garland are there. I watched a documentary on the making of the film and the choreographer said that Judy Davis worked hour after hours on each song to get the movements right. Also, the director said that he would often forget that it was Judy Davis up there and believed he watching Garland!

"Judy Davis and Tammy Blanchard won Emmy's for their performances and they deserved them!"

I remember sitting on my Dad's lap watching The Wizard of Oz. It was magical and I will never forget it. My dad loved the horse of a different color. I loved when Judy sang Somewhere over the Rainbow. What an amazing voice. And such a sad life.

Where have I been, Ron??? I adore Judy Garland and didn't know this film existed! Must place in my Netflix queue immediately. BRB. Cannot believe it's not available on DVD yet. It's in SAVE. Will see what the price is on Amazon. Anything Judy Garland is worth owning. Can you believe tomorrow's April 1st? It seemed my bdy was just yesterday. The winter seemed to stand still, now it's flying!And can you believe it'll be in the 60's Friday? I'm going to the Moody Blues concert that night -- so happy that it'll be nice as a storm prevented me from attending their last in the hood. ;)) Have a wonderful week, Ron! Wishing you an early Happy April Fool's Day! :))

Your list is worth a whole lot more than valium or the other drug routes that so many people seem to take first, when stressed.

As a person who lives a drug-free life, I have also "fine tuned" my own stress busters over the years and the ones you've mentioned (except for essential oils) are all ones I use on a regular basis, especially when stressed.

Yoga is a big part of my stress busting strategy too. Have you ever tried yoga? I really think you'd love it! If you look in Laughing AT the Grim Reaper! I have recommended one of the best yoga dvd sets that I've EVER used, in case you want to check it out. Larry Payne is an excellent yoga instructor and expert and this is a great intro and progression for yoga newbies and those who already enjoy yoga, specifically geared for people 45-75! Yoga IS for life, if you keep it up on a regular basis. Too many people still think it's just for the 20-30 somethings and way too difficult poses, but it's not.

I would like to know more about essential oils, the topic fascinates me but to date, have not got around to it. Sounds like something I should look into more though.

GREAT post, I really enjoyed reading this and what a positive way to start my morning, here in BC.

Ohhhhh Rooonnnnnnn! I bet you can't guess who this is!!! You're old friend Blunt Delivery! I have returned to the internets and when I went through my old bloggity friends, I was so happy to see you still at it! :) I feel like I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU ANYMORE!

OMG...thanks so much for stopping by to let me know that you have returned to the Internet! Are you still blogging? And if yes, have you reignited Blunt Delivery or are you planning to start a different blog?

LOL! Yes, breathing is always a good thing! These are terrific stress relieving activities. Stress is such a strange animal and can affect so much of our bodies in terrible ways. I also notices your suggestions cover the senses.....I'm sure that's not a coincidence!

Yes, I know what you mean, Lisa, me too! And I think for MANY people she will always be Dorothy because (like Vivien Leigh in Gone With The Wind), they both were so perfect for those roles and did such a great job in creating a book character come-to-life!

"She was such a wonderfully talented actress."

An AMAZING talent!

Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!

I went for hypnotherapy to learn how to handle stress & panic attacks so when I feel it building up again, I go to my "happy place" which is a beach in the Caribbean with white sugar sand, a palm tree under which I can burrow into the sand to make myself a nice little nest to have a nap. I am lovely & warm & relaxed. Due to my COPD, I've had to remove all scented candles, etc. from my home because it causes problems with my breathing so I can't benefit from aromatherapy.

"I went for hypnotherapy to learn how to handle stress & panic attacks so when I feel it building up again, I go to my "happy place" which is a beach in the Caribbean with white sugar sand, a palm tree under which I can burrow into the sand to make myself a nice little nest to have a nap. I am lovely & warm & relaxed. "

That is so great to hear, Benze! And I'm also glad to hear that it's working to help with stress and panic attacks. I've experienced hypnotherapy several years ago to assist with my fear of flying and I found it very helpful!

Thanks so much for stopping by and catching up with my post, dear friend. Hope you're feeling better. Please know that you're always in my thoughts and well wishes.

Yaaaaaaaay! So glad to hear that you're still blogging, Brit! I took a quick look at that link you shared and LOVED what I saw. Great new blog! I'll stop by later tonight or tomorrow to read more thoroughly. Can't wait!